17. That which I speak, I speak it not according to the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
18. Seeing that many boast after the flesh, I will boast also.
19. For you put up with fools gladly, seeing you yourselves are wise.
20. For you permit it, if a man brings you into bondage, if a man devours you, if a man takes of you, if a man exalts himself, if a man smites you on the face.
21. I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. But in whatsoever way any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.
22. Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the descendants of Abraham? so am I.
23. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes beyond measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths often.
24. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes less one.
25. Three times was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, three times I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;